METRONIDAZOLE (me troe NI da zole) treats infections caused by bacteria or parasites. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): First-Metronidazole 100, First-Metronidazole 50
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better. There may be unused or extra doses in the bottle after you finish the full course of antibiotics. Talk to your care team if you have questions about your dose.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Some products may contain alcohol. Ask your care team if this medication contains alcohol. Be sure to tell all care teams you are taking this medication. Certain medications, such as metronidazole and disulfiram, can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
Birth control may not work properly while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about using an extra method of birth control.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). 30 days after getting your prescription, get rid of it, even if not yet used.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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